Applications are now being accepted for the 3rd Annual Governor's Celebration of Innovation, held annually to recognize outstanding individuals and companies in Arizona's technology industry. Award recipients "join a prestigious group of Arizonans who have been hailed as leaders in this ever-growing industry," says Todd Bankofier, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council.

ATC, along with the Arizona Department of Commerce, High Technology Industry Cluster, and Southern Arizona Tech Council, are presenting organizations of the event.

The awards will be announced at the 2005 Governor's Celebration of Innovation on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri in Phoenix. Award categories include:

• William F. McWhortor Community Service Leader of the Year
• Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year
• Academia Innovator of the Year
• Large Company Innovator of the Year
• Small Company Innovator of the Year
• Start-Up Company Innovator of the Year
• Pioneering Innovation (any size company/organization)

An application fee for each entry is $35. For more information about the awards process and ceremony, click on Celebration of Innovation.